Athens burglary suspect in custody after standoff

A burglary suspect is in custody after a five-hour standoff with Athens Police. (Source: Will Grice)

ATHENS, AL (WAFF) -

A burglary suspect is in custody after a five-hour standoff with Athens Police.

Officers went to a home on South Houston Street at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to make contact with burglary suspect, Benjamin Ted Moore. Police said he is the suspect in an overnight burglary at a privately owned building on Stewart Drive near where the recycling center used to be located.

Moore was staying with his friend at the home on South Houston Street. When officers went to the house, Moore would not talk to officers and refused to come out.

Officers tried to contact Moore, but he would only communicate through the homeowner. The homeowner told police he thought Moore could have guns inside the home. Another person, the suspect's girlfriend, was also inside the house at the time.

Emergency crews evacuated seven to 10 homes in the neighborhood during the standoff.

Around 2:30 p.m., Moore left the house and turned himself into officers without resistance. He's being charged with third degree burglary and he could face more charges pending an investigation.

No one was injured in the standoff. Limestone County Sheriff's deputies assisted in the situation. Firefighters and paramedics were also on standby.

Moore was transported to Athens Police Department where he was questioned and later booked on one count of third degree burglary. He was later placed in the Limestone County Jail awaiting bond. Additional charges may follow.

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